Is Kentucky a Constitutional Carry State?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Yes, Kentucky is a constitutional carry state as of 2019. You can carry a concealed firearm without a permit if you're legally allowed to possess firearms.
What This Means for You
Constitutional carry means you don't need a permit to carry concealed in Kentucky, but the state still issues concealed carry licenses for reciprocity with other states. This applies to any firearm you build or buy, assuming you're legally allowed to own it. You still need to follow all other state and federal laws regarding firearms possession and carry.
The Detail
Kentucky enacted constitutional carry legislation in 2019, allowing anyone who can legally possess a firearm to carry it concealed without obtaining a permit. This doesn't eliminate Kentucky's concealed carry licensing system, which remains available for residents who want reciprocity agreements with other states that recognize Kentucky permits.
The constitutional carry law applies to all legal firearms, including those you build yourself. However, you must still comply with federal regulations for any NFA items, and certain locations remain off-limits for carry regardless of permit status. These typically include government buildings, schools, and private property where prohibited by the owner.
While you don't need a permit to carry, you're still subject to all other firearms laws. This includes proper storage requirements when applicable, restrictions on carry while intoxicated, and compliance with federal background check requirements for purchases from dealers. Building your own firearm doesn't exempt you from these broader legal obligations.
The state's constitutional carry law doesn't change federal requirements for NFA items like short-barreled rifles or suppressors. If you're building something that falls under NFA regulation, you still need proper federal paperwork regardless of Kentucky's carry laws. Verify current regulations with official state resources, as firearms laws can change.
Build Impact
Constitutional carry doesn't change what you can build, but it does mean you can carry your completed builds concealed without additional permits. You still need to ensure any build complies with both state and federal construction and possession laws before carrying it.